With an eye for aesthetic harmony and a clear tonal vision, Steve Toon crafts guitars of remarkable distinction. This concert model, pairing European spruce with dramatic Ziricote, is a masterwork which finely demonstrates the fruits of a long and fine career in the art of luthiery.

Key Highlights

• Handbuilt by renowned UK luthier Steve Toon
• Stunning premium grade Ziricote back/sides
• Gorgeous Birch Burr rosette
• Buttery sweet trebles with round, defined basses
• Immense value for money within the Concert guitar range

Overview

From the moment it is played, this guitar reveals a poised and expressive voice. Tonally, it sits comfortably within the English concert tradition: clean, balanced, and refined, with a wealth of subtle overtones and a lyrical treble register that invites nuance. Every element, from the expertise in the selection of tonewoods, to the meticulous craftsmanship, to the pinpoint set up, reflect a maker attuned to both the technical and poetic demands of the classical guitar.

Construction & Materials

The top is crafted from personally selected European spruce. Ziricote, chosen for the back and sides, brings an unmistakable visual presence — rich, variegated grain patterns with deep chocolate hues — as well as a rounded, resonant tonal contribution that lends both clarity and richness to the overall voice.

The aesthetic appointments are equal parts lavish and tasteful. A gorgeous birch burr rosette, framed by rosewood and boxwood purfling, strike a harmonious balance between ornament and function. Construction features such as the V-joint headstock and a 12-hole bridge demonstrate an experienced maker working at a high level of precision and care, who is tuned into the needs and demands of the most discerning advanced and professional players alike.

Tone & Character

The tonal character of this instrument is immediately engaging.

Trebles are sweet and buttery, with a gloriously rich yet pure tone. Their lyrical quality encourages expressive playing. Basses are supportive yet refined — clearly defined, with a rounded feel that blends effortlessly with the upper register. Midrange response and string-to-string transition are seamless, ensuring that melodic lines retain their integrity across the fingerboard. From soaring melodic lines through to chest-resonating low passages, this guitar handles them all with aplomb.

There is no singular dominating frequency; rather, the tone is cohesive and balanced, with an overarching sense of poise. While it has more than enough projection and dynamic scope for concert performance, it avoids teetering into brash or raw territory that a less refined guitar might find itself in. This is a guitar for players who value detail, control, and tonal elegance over sheer volume, even though there is more than enough under the hood to project on the concert stage when required.

Playability

Playability is one of this guitar’s quiet triumphs, but one that I know Steve takes great pride in. The neck profile, a gentle D with soft curvature, feels natural and helpfully facilitates playing. It avoids extremes and rewards long periods of practice or performance with minimal fatigue. Action is a generous 4mm / 3mm (bass / treble) which will feel immediately familiar and comfortable for most players.

The instrument is beautifully balanced, both physically and sonically. The relatively light construction allows for immediate response to touch, encouraging the most subtle turns of phrase and dynamic shading. In short, it feels like an instrument that works with the player — responsive, articulate, and highly expressive.

Comparisons

This guitar sits alongside some of the finest concert instruments available in the UK today. However it distinguishes itself through its impeccable clarity of voice, superb craftsmanship and exceptional value when compared with similarly priced guitars.

I couldn’t help but compare this guitar to a similar instrument in the shape of Jake Fuller’s Purnell guitar. However, Steve Toon’s Concert ziricote model offers a touch more warmth and fullness in the treble, while remaining firmly within the same tonal lineage. It also shares a kinship in feel and character with instruments by German Master luthier Jochen Rothel, offering a similarly refined and responsive playing experience. This is no small feat, given the stark contrast in price between these two makers, which easily sets Steve’s guitar apart as the best pound for pound option.

For players upgrading from a studio-level guitar, the step up is transformative. The increased responsiveness, range and depth of tone, along with the ease of playability offer the most delightful playing experience

Why Should You Buy It?

A supremely versatile instrument, this guitar is well suited to a wide range of repertoire. It has the sustain and refinement required for holding musical interest through melodic, lyrical works. It also maintains clarity and independence of voice across strings, which is ideal for more complex voice work found in the contrapuntal repertoire of Bach, Weiss etc. It therefore comes as no surprise that Steve Toon’s Concert guitar also responds equally well to more general melody-accompaniment styles, where balance of voice and the contrast of tonal colour and dynamics are paramount.

Whether performing, recording, or simply enjoying a long practice session, this is a guitar that handsomely rewards careful listening and expressive intent.

Conclusion

There’s an effortlessness to this guitar that quietly inspires confidence and gently encourages the player. It doesn’t seek to impress with a forceful bravado or bludgeon the ear with the overwhelming heights of its dynamic range, but rather conveys a refined musicality through immaculate craftsmanship, and sings with a deeply satisfying voice. For the discerning guitarist seeking an instrument of distinction — one that reflects both tradition and individuality — the Steve Toon Concert Model is a compelling choice.